20+ Fastest-Growing Restaurant Chains in 2025

Key Takeaways:

• While the U.S. restaurant industry is projected to grow just over 4% in 2025, several chains (like Dave’s Hot Chicken, Raising Cane’s and CAVA) are growing at double or even triple that rate.
• Brands such as Port of Subs and Bojangles are rapidly expanding, with plans to open hundreds of new locations in 2025.
• Companies like Jersey Mike’s, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Marco’s Pizza are scaling quickly thanks to strong franchisee confidence and multi-unit ownership.
• Adoption of digital technologies like mobile ordering and loyalty programs keeps customers engaged on and off-premises. 
• Regional and international cuisines, such as Mediterranean, Asian-inspired and Southern flavors, continue to win favor with new audiences. 

Wondering which restaurant brands in the United States are expanding the fastest in 2025? This list ranks the top-growing chains based on new store openings, rising sales, franchising success and geographic expansion. 

Whether you’re job hunting, hiring or just keeping up with industry trends, these are the names to know — and why they’re growing so fast.

Fastest-Growing Restaurant Brands in the US

From fast-casual newcomers to legacy brands reinventing themselves, these restaurant chains are scaling quickly and reshaping the dining landscape in the process.

1. Dave’s Hot Chicken

[Source: Dave’s Hot Chicken]

Best known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken is rapidly expanding beyond its East Hollywood roots. The brand’s appeal lies in its high-quality food and efficient service model. 

In the past year alone, its sales nearly doubled, reaching $406 million across 260 locations. The chain also plans to open around 80 more restaurants in 2025 and already has about 1,000 future locations in the works.

2. Burritobar

Recognized as Canada’s fastest-growing Mexican food franchise, Burritobar has set its sights on significant expansion within the U.S. 

A recent agreement to open 93 locations over the next 20 years will bring the total of expected U.S. locations to 750. 

The chain is targeting states such as New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Florida and Tennessee for its new restaurants. This expansion reflects a broader trend of consumers seeking diverse and flavorful fast-casual options.

3. Bonchon

Bonchon specializes in Korean-inspired fare with its signature crispy fried chicken as the star. It has experienced steady growth since its first U.S. location opened in New York City in 2006. 

As of Q1 2025, the Korea-based company has around 150 locations in the U.S. However, it’s aiming big, planning to grow to 500 locations nationwide and 1,000 worldwide within the next five years. 

This expansion is driven by user-friendly technology, flexible store designs and easy-to-use tools that help franchise owners run their restaurants smoothly. The brand is also focusing on catering and menu innovation to further drive growth. 

4. Culver’s

Culver’s is a Wisconsin-born chain known for its ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard. 

Hailed as the best fast-food restaurant in America by Fodors, it had 900 locations across 26 states by early 2024. By the start of 2025, it had grown to 997 restaurants and plans to open 55 more by the end of the year — bringing it even closer to the 1,000-location milestone.

This steady expansion reflects the brand’s reputation for higher-quality fast food and Midwestern hospitality, fostering strong customer loyalty.

5. Port of Subs

Port of Subs has been offering fresh, sliced-to-order meat and cheese sandwiches since the 1970s. It has largely remained an under-the-radar chain until now, as 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the brand. 

In fact, there have been reports that it’s expecting to open over 300 new locations, primarily targeting California and Minnesota. Moreover, the company aims to have more than 500 locations within the next five years.

This major growth is being driven by local expansion deals: like one in Arizona to open 50 new locations, and another that will bring at least 10 new restaurants to Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

6. Jersey Mike’s Subs

[Source: Jersey Mike’s Subs]

Jersey Mike’s Subs has become a major name in the sandwich scene and one of the fastest-growing quick-service restaurant chains in the country. 

In 2025, it ranked second on Entrepreneur’s list of top QSR franchises, with nearly 2,900 locations and 45% growth over the past three years. Additionally, its $8 billion acquisition by Blackstone in late 2024 shows just how much investors believe in its future. 

Known for fresh ingredients and its signature “Mike’s Way” sandwich style, the brand has built a strong following — especially in suburban areas, where its growth continues to align with shifting consumer trends.

7. Bojangles

With over 45 years in business, starting as a single location in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bojangles has become a beloved Southern staple known for its chicken, biscuits and tea.

Today, it has grown to more than 800 restaurants across 17 states. While best known in the South, it is now expanding westward, with new locations planned in states like California and Nevada. 

As of January 2025, Bojangles had already opened its first store in Las Vegas, with plans for five more by year’s end. The chain is also eyeing Southern California, with franchise agreements underway in Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino.

8. Dunn Brothers Coffee

Minnesota-based Dunn Brothers Coffee has long focused on the Midwest, with most of its locations in states like Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. However, in recent years, the brand has grown to 50 locations and started expanding into Texas. 

While the company hasn’t shared all its future plans, it aims to open more than 250 new stores across multiple states over the next five years: an ambitious move that would multiply its current size fivefold.

9. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (or simply Popeyes) remains a strong player in the fast-food space in 2025, thanks to its steady growth and global popularity. 

Over the years, the brand expanded into busy spots like airports and college campuses, reaching more customers with its signature comfort food. It also grew internationally, opening new locations in several countries. 

Last year alone, it opened 126 new stores and boosted total sales by 4.2% compared to 2023. To improve operations and the customer experience, the chain is rolling out its “Easy to Run” initiative, upgrading technology and streamlining how each location is managed.

10. Whataburger

Whataburger, known for its made-to-order burgers, is quickly expanding beyond its Texan roots. Its focus on quality and great service has earned it a loyal customer base and strong sales growth. 

The brand plans to open 80 new locations in Georgia and Alabama over the next five years, bringing its signature menu to more parts of the U.S. 

With this expansion, Whataburger is aiming to become a go-to burger spot nationwide, especially as more diners seek out familiar, high-quality American classics.

11. Raising Cane’s

[Source: Raising Cane’s]

Raising Cane’s, known for its crispy chicken fingers and signature Cane’s Sauce, continues to grow fast and win over fans across the U.S. 

The Louisiana-based chain opened 118 new restaurants in 2024 — surpassing its goal — and reached more than 850 locations by early 2025. That’s a 20% jump in just one year. 

With a simple, high-quality menu and a strong following among younger diners, Cane’s plans to keep expanding in 2025 by opening even more restaurants in busy areas and new markets. Its fun, upbeat brand and strong workplace culture have also helped it earn national recognition as a top place to work.

12. Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Tropical Smoothie Cafe boasts a colorful menu of smoothies and bold, fresh flavors. In 2024, the brand celebrated the opening of its 1,500th location. 

Not to mention, more than 70% of its new locations were opened by existing owners — showing how confident franchisees are in the brand. That same year, Tropical Smoothie signed 247 new franchise deals and has 700 more locations planned for the future. 

Its steady growth shows the brand’s wide appeal, especially among health-focused customers, and highlights the strong support it provides to franchise owners.

13. Qdoba

QDOBA is making a strong comeback, thanks to its bold flavors and big plans to grow. It opened 14 new restaurants in 2023 and about 50 more in 2024. 

The company expects to open 70 more by the end of 2025, bringing its total to over 800 locations. Its long-term goal is to reach 1,500 restaurants by 2033. 

Sales have also been rising, with 6.1% growth in 2023 and 7.7% in 2024. A big part of this momentum comes from opening restaurants in high-traffic places like airports and college campuses, and working with franchisees who open multiple locations.

14. Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee is quickly growing across the country, thanks to its popular drive-thru setup and focus on fast, friendly service. 

In the past year, the company opened 120 new locations and celebrated its 800th store. It plans to reach over 1,000 locations by the end of 2025. 

Not to mention, it was named one of the top 10 fastest-growing brands in Yelp’s 2025 report.

15. Shake Shack

Shake Shack, famous for its burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and creamy shakes, has become a go-to for those who love high-quality fast food. 

For 2025, the company plans to open 80 new restaurants across the country: 45 run by Shake Shack itself and 35 to 40 run by license partners. Over time, the brand aims to grow to 1,500 locations overall. 

It has also seen steady success, with 16 straight quarters of sales growth. On average, new locations are bringing in over $4 million each (on average), showing just how popular the brand continues to be.

16. Sweetgreen

[Source: Sweetgreen]

​As of March 2025, Sweetgreen operates 921 restaurants across 24 states: a significant increase from the previously reported figure of 250 locations. 

The chain also plans to open at least 40 new restaurants this year, with approximately half featuring its automated “Infinite Kitchen” technology. These kitchens utilize conveyor belts to assemble meals, enhancing speed and consistency. 

Sweetgreen is also introducing new menu items, such as Ripple Fries, and launching a revamped loyalty program called SG Rewards to boost customer engagement. These strategic initiatives position it as one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in 2025.

17. MOD Pizza

MOD Pizza stands out for its customizable pies and fast service. The Seattle-based chain has been expanding its presence across the U.S., with currently over 485 locations across 28 states.

In 2024, MOD Pizza was acquired by Elite Restaurant Group, which launched a strategic refranchising plan to boost efficiency and expand into new markets. 

Despite a challenging economic climate, MOD Pizza has maintained strong momentum, with plans to continue growing through new store openings and more flexible store formats.

18. Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens has set a goal of reaching 600 locations by the end of 2025. 

As of December 2024, the brand had 204 restaurants and aimed to open more than 70 additional locations that same year. By early 2025, it had surpassed 300 total restaurants — reflecting nearly 25% growth in one year. 

Its crispy chicken and 14 house-made sauces have helped the chain build a loyal following across the country, fueling demand in both new and existing markets.

To meet that demand, the company plans to sign 150 new franchise agreements and open around 50 more locations across the U.S. and internationally by year’s end.

19. CAVA

CAVA plans to reach 1,000 locations by 2032, with 62 to 66 new openings expected in 2025. It currently operates around 370 restaurants across the U.S. 

After raising nearly $318 million in its 2023 IPO, the company used that funding to expand into new markets like Miami, Detroit and Pittsburgh. 

In 2024, it made $954.3 million in total sales — a 35% jump from the year before. Sales at current locations rose by 13.4%, and the average store brought in about $2.9 million. 

Additionally, ​CAVA has been enhancing its operations with the “Connected Kitchen” initiative, utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize kitchen workflows and improve order accuracy and speed.

20. Marco’s Pizza

Known for its fresh ingredients and Italian-style flavors, Marco’s Pizza is set for another big year. In 2024, it opened 70 new stores and signed 86 new franchise deals, bringing its total to over 1,200 locations. 

The brand is now focusing on growth through multi-store franchise owners, opening in non-traditional spots like airports and expanding overseas — including a plan to launch 50 new locations in Mexico City. 

Not to mention, it was also ranked in the Top 50 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2025 “Franchise 500” list.

21. Chipotle

[Source: Chipotle]

Chipotle remains a top name in fast-casual dining, known for its build-your-own burritos, bowls and salads made with high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients. 

In the final quarter of 2024, its total sales grew by 13%, and profits rose 19% compared to the year before. The company opened 119 new restaurants during that time and plans to add 315 to 345 more in 2025. 

It’s also introducing new menu items — like the limited-time offer, Honey Chicken — and expanding its Chipotlane drive-thru format to make ordering faster and easier for customers.

22. Wingstop

Wingstop operates over 2,560 stores globally, including 2,204 in the U.S. It is also looking to grow internationally, with plans to open 200+ new locations abroad, including in France.

The company had a strong year in 2024, with total sales jumping 36% to $625.8 million. Sales at existing U.S. locations also rose by nearly 20%. 

About 70% of all Wingstop orders came through digital platforms, showing how well its online and app-based ordering systems are working. It also recently launched its own software system, MyWingstop, to help stores run more smoothly and improve the customer experience. 

See also: Hospitality Industry Statistics in 2025

Standing Out From the Crowd: Growth Compared to the Industry Average

The U.S. restaurant industry is expected to grow by just over 4% in 2025 — but many of the top chains are growing much faster than that.

For example, Dave’s Hot Chicken nearly doubled its sales in the past year, while Jersey Mike’s Subs grew its number of locations by 45% over the last three years. Raising Cane’s added more than 90 new restaurants in 2024 alone, showing just how quickly it’s expanding.

Other brands also have big plans for 2025. Port of Subs expects to open more than 300 new locations. Meanwhile, CAVA reported a 13.4% increase in same-store sales in 2024 — more than triple the industry average.

This significant difference in growth rates shows just how competitive the restaurant industry really is. 

While the overall market is growing, these standout chains are grabbing a larger slice of that growth by doing things especially well — like offering appealing menus, technology integration, great customer experiences and smart expansion plans.

Looking at their performance across sales, new store openings and same-store sales gives a fuller picture of how they’re winning. 

Sources and Methodology

Our research is grounded in the latest annual rankings and reports from Entrepreneur, Push Operations, Daily Meal and The FW.

Brands were evaluated based on 2025 metrics such as sales growth, store openings, market expansion and digital initiatives. Where possible, links are provided for further reference.